Dissertation writing is a very critical and challenging task for students in my level of study. Having undergone through rigorous training on writing academic content, I have found out that it is quite challenging to collect data objectively without being influenced by personality. Moreover, personality may hinder or foster research outcomes and thus affect the final quality of the dissertation paper (Mills, 1959). In this case, I have to identify personal bias that may arise from my -understanding of inherent trait since it might alter the final conclusion of my dissertation. Being understanding is usually not considered as a weakness, but it may significantly affect research data. Hence, conclusions drawn from face-face interviews might be influenced by my personal understanding of personality. On the same note, an interview may not be comfortable in such a situation. Indeed, the later scenario is a great challenge in attaining dissertation accuracy. In order to prevent such an occurrence, I realized that interviews should be handled from a dimension, different from socialization whereby clarification should be sought during interactive interviews for accuracy of data to be collected (Randolph, 2009). I have therefore prepared myself to take this step seriously in order to acquire accurate results.
Another challenge towards dissertation completion would be process related. Like many other processes, dissertation may be affected by time and budgetary constraints. Since the writing process may take several days to complete, intrusions from life-related challenges are to be anticipated. At some point dissertation writing may score lower in priorities when matters of urgency occur in our social circles. This cannot be handled by integration (Mills, 1959). This will automatically hinder the process of dissertation writing. This is very serious and might lead to submission delays. Due to this understanding, it is essential that extra provisions in dissertation time budget be given to allow for such occurrences. The timing provisions will cater for time available against any other eventualities that may affect the writing process.
In order to write any dissertation, content is of great importance. Therefore, I have prepared my proposal and ready for submission. However, before submitting it, I have to select at least six committee members from different disciplines who will review my thesis by asking questions. One member will advise me on my thesis, another one will give my thesis a go-ahead, and another one will insist on my supervisor advice while three members will only ask general questions. One member of the committee will not peruse through the dissertation read but will only ask questions to justify my claims in the paper. After submission and review by the committee, I will have to defend the dissertation and so relevant date will be set after which I will produce my thesis.
The next step will be writing my thesis. Higher level thesis statements normally begin with concise quotes for clarity of purpose. According to Schulman and Cox (1997) introduction and literature review will follow whereby examination of content related to my topic will be explored. I will use books, journals, scholarly articles and other academically credible materials to get as much information as possible especially in regard to past researches in the similar field. After a thorough review of literature, designation of research methods will follow and finally findings, discussions, analysis and conclusion and/or recommendations. These steps are crucial in writing my proposal.
According to the University of New South Wales (2006), all written theses must be defended. I understand that defense is the most challenging part of my dissertation. Thorough knowledge is critical at this stage in order to convince my committee. If they approve my thesis, I will have to re-write it and finally make it available in libraries.
References
- Schulman, E. & Cox, C. (1997). How to Write a PhD. Dissertation. Annals of Improbable Research, 3(5), 8.
- University of New South Wales (2006). How to write a PhD thesis, 2008. Web.
- Mills, C. W. (1959). On Intellectual Craftsmanship. Appendix to the Sociological Imagination. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Randolph, J.J. (2009). A guide to writing dissertation Literature review: Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 14 (13) 1-12.